Anise

ANISE/ ANISEED
(Pimpinella anisum)

Anise2 - label (Anise seeds)

Aniseed has been used throughout history to treat a variety of ailments. It’s seeds were a highly-prized commodity in ancient Greece and Rome, in fact they were so valuable in the East that they were often used to pay taxes. Aniseeds are delightfully fragrant due to their high concentration of anethole, an essential oil. The seeds also contain other important compounds like acetophenone, p-anisaldehyde, anise alcohol, estragol, limonene and pinene.

The seeds are an excellent source of mineral such as iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, zinc, potassium, and copper. These minerals are essential to heart, bone and blood health and are needed by the body to turn food into energy.

The B-complex vitamins found in aniseed are essential to overall health. Loaded with riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin and thiamin, the seeds can contribute to healthy levels of neuro-chemicals in the brain.

It is not to be confused with more famous, and aromatic Star Anise.

USES:

  • The seeds and the oil they produce can be used to treat chest and lung congestion and coughs.
  • When used as a lozenge, aniseed is an effective expectorant and helps remove phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract.
  • Lung irritations (including wheezing) can be soothed by drinking a tea made from the seeds.
  • Those who suffer from spasmodic asthma may also find relief from the tea made of seeds.
  • Drops of aniseed oil may be used in a vaporizer to clear congestion and soothe coughing.
  • Gargling with a tea made of the seeds can provide relief for sore throat, laryngitis or pharyngitis.
  • The seeds are also used to reduce flatulence, cure sleeplessness, aid nursing mothers with the production of milk and to stimulate appetite.
  • Aniseed can also improve digestion, alleviate cramps and reduce nausea. (This explains their use in rich dishes in various cuisines.)
  • A paste made from the seeds may be applied to the forehead, neck or temples to relieve headaches and migraines.
  • A paste made from the seeds can also be used to treat lice and scabies.
  • Some components of aniseed are known to have calming effects that can relieve anxiety and nervousness. Both tea and oil can be used for this purpose.
  • Anise has aphrodisiac properties that can increase libido (hence its high demand among the nobility of the ancients.) Drinking one glass of water infused with the crushed seeds each night can increase one’s sex drive.
  • The seeds are used for a range of digestive issues including…
    • Bloating
    • Flatulence
    • Heartburn
    • Colic (nursing mothers can drink the tea to bring relief to a colicky child.)

HOW TO USE IT

  1. Expectorant
    To relieve all respiratory related ailments, drink 1 cup of tea mornings and/or evenings
  2. Gastro-Intestinal
    For all digestive ailments, take 1 dessert spoon of seeds per day to chew well; or drink 2 cups of seed infused tea.  In both forms, anise should be taken before meal.Infants should be given 1 teaspoon of tea once daily, by adding it to their bottle.

HOW TO PREPARE TEA

  1. Fresh Seeds
    Take ¼ cup fresh plant parts. Pour a cup of boiling water over it, cover and let stand for 5 minutes; strain and drink the infusion.
  2. Dried Seeds
    Take 2 teaspoons of dried plant parts. Pour a cup of boiling water over it, cover and let stand for 5 minutes; strain and drink the infusion.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • It is contraindicated in patients allergic to Anise and its chief constituent, anethole.
  • To be avoided during pregnancy.

CAUTION

  • High doses of the essential oil are toxic due to its narcotic properties.
  • Anise is safe to use in small doses, but ingesting large amounts of the seed can cause convulsions, narcosis, circulatory problems and coma. Improper use may also cause seizures, paralysis, lack of clarity and other mental problems.
  • Users should only take the seed as directed and avoid consuming high doses.

SCIENTIFIC DETAILS

Family Name: Umbellifers
Common Name(s): Anise, aniseed, saunf
Part(s) Used: seeds
Habitat: It is a native of Egypt, Greece, Crete and Asia Minor and was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians.
Properties: Anthelmintic, analgesic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant

Tags: Anthelmintic, analgesic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, digestive